CVE-2002-0478 in Edgeiron
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of Foundry Networks EdgeIron 4802F allows remote attackers to modify sensitive information via arbitrary SNMP community strings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0478 affects the Foundry Networks EdgeIron 4802F network switch device, representing a critical security flaw in the device's default configuration that exposes sensitive network information to unauthorized remote attackers. This issue stems from the improper handling of Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) community strings, which are used for authentication and access control within network management systems. The device's default configuration fails to properly validate or restrict access based on community string values, creating an avenue for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to network management functions.
The technical flaw manifests in the device's insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within its SNMP implementation. When attackers provide arbitrary SNMP community strings, the system does not properly authenticate these requests or enforce access restrictions based on legitimate community names. This vulnerability falls under the category of weak authentication and improper input validation, with direct implications for the device's security posture and network integrity. The flaw is particularly concerning because it allows modification of sensitive information rather than merely read access, indicating that attackers could potentially alter network configurations or operational parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables remote attackers to modify critical network management data through the SNMP protocol. This capability can lead to significant network disruption, unauthorized configuration changes, and potential compromise of the entire network infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to alter routing tables, modify access control lists, change network parameters, or disable critical network services. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the device or local network presence, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for network administrators who may not be aware of the compromised device's location or status.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access control measures and network segmentation. Network administrators should immediately change the default SNMP community strings to strong, unique values and disable unnecessary SNMP access. The implementation of SNMPv3 with proper authentication and encryption should be prioritized over SNMPv1 or v2c, which lack adequate security features. Additionally, network segmentation through firewall rules and access control lists should be implemented to restrict SNMP access to trusted management stations only. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege that is fundamental to secure network design. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized SNMP access attempts and establish regular security audits to identify and remediate similar configuration vulnerabilities across their network infrastructure.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of secure default configurations in network equipment, as emphasized by various cybersecurity frameworks and standards. This issue demonstrates how default settings can create security risks that persist until actively addressed by system administrators, underscoring the need for comprehensive security awareness training and regular security assessments. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that network security is not solely dependent on perimeter defenses but also requires proper configuration management and ongoing monitoring of network device security posture.